TALKING BOOK SERVICES LIBRARIAN

TALKING BOOK SERVICES LIBRARIAN
WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for the position of Talking Book Services Librarian (Graduate Librarian, Grade 2) for the Worcester Public Library. Under the direction of the Head of Talking Book Librarian, the Talking Book Services Librarian will be responsible for outreach, programming, and readers' advisory services focusing on individuals with a print disability and involves collaborating with those organizations that serve them. This position participates in the development of adult collections, programming, outreach, information and digital literacy instruction, and have experience working with diverse populations in an urban community. Schedule will include evening and weekend assignments and working at other locations.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Plan, implement and coordinate outreach services to people with a visual, physical or reading disability in the Central Massachusetts area
• Develop and implement publicity campaigns to promote the Massachusetts Talking Book program for multi-type libraries, institutions and agencies that serve this population
• Provide excellent Reference and Readers' Advisor service by phone, in person and online for adults, young adults and children with a visual, physical or reading disability, as well as for caregivers and agency personnel who work with and advocate for these people
• Develop, maintain, and promote the Worcester Talking Book Library's collection in various formats, including digital audio, large print, print braille, as well as acquisition of other appropriate material formats not provided by the Library of Congress (NLS) program
• Maintain a working knowledge of library resources, and an awareness of new resources and technologies and effectively uses and teaches the library's resources
• Learn and keep current on technologies catering to persons with low vision
• Plan, organize and execute workshops and training sessions for the Taking Book Library
• Develop, publicize, implement and evaluate adult programming, classes and outreach services, including reading discussion groups, library and technology literacy
• Stay informed of professional trends including learning new and emerging technology
• Collaborate with a team of professional and paraprofessional staff and with other city agencies
• Assist with the preparation of newsletters, bibliographies in specialized formats and statistical reports as needed
• Represent the Worcester Talking Book Library to the community at-large and at regional, state and national library conferences
• Keep informed of professional and community developments affecting the library and librarianship
• Interpret library services and policies to patrons in a clear and courteous manner
• Contribute to creating an environment orientated to trust, open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive team effort
• Actively participate in staff development and training opportunities
• Work at various locations within the library system, including mobile library services
• Perform other duties, as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of responsibilities

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of search skills using paper and electronic resources
• Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing and implementing programs and presentations
• Demonstrated creative thinking and ability to collaborate with colleagues on ideas
• Prior experience working with diverse populations in an urban community
• Ability to demonstrate creative problem solving and critical thinking
• Ability to use and teach adaptive technologies
• Ability to create positive working relationships in a team environment
• Ability to initiate, organize, and self-direct work responsibility under moderate supervision
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with professional and paraprofessional staff about concepts, ideas, and requirements
• Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language including grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Strong commitment to consistent excellent customer service to a diverse population in an urban environment
• High level of professionalism and commitment to the organization
• Embrace opportunities to learn in a fast-paced changing environment
• Demonstrate proficiency in current and emerging technologies
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to create positive working relationships with a diverse staff
• Ability to learn and use library technologies
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's in Library Science Degree from a library school accredited by the American Library Association or approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library commissioners.
• Experience working with individuals who have a visual, physical, or reading disability
• Ability to travel between locations within the State
• Ability to successfully pass CORI/SORI

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) years Community Outreach experience
• Two (2) years cataloging experience with a solid knowledge of ALA's Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2) and familiarity with original cataloging of library materials.
• Proficiency in descriptive cataloging, subject cataloging, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), as well as MARC21 standard and a least one classification scheme such as LLC or DDC.

SALARY RANGE: $31.63 - $41.35 hourly, full-time, excellent benefits package.

The Worcester Public Library makes every effort to support ALA's "Core Competences of Librarianship" http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers/corecomp as approved and adopted as policy by the ALA Council, January 27th 2009 and, as an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.

For a full job description please visit: www.mywpl.org/jobs-wpl